PA Students Get Hands-On Experience - Part V
Since early summer 2025 we have been welcoming Physician Assistant Students (PA-S) to complete their clinical rotations at our Clinic.
Sara Mustafa, PA-S is our most recent PA Student completing her clinical rotations with us. She came to us from George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences where she is pursuing her M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies. We sat down with Sara to learn more about what she learned from this experience.
After serving patients at Culmore Clinic, how might you adapt your practice style?
After serving patients at Culmore Clinic, I learned how important it is to adapt my approach to meet patients where they are. I’ve come to appreciate the value of shared decision-making and the importance of having open, honest conversations about what feels realistic for each patient. Whether it’s deciding to focus on lifestyle changes before starting a medication or discussing the affordability of a particular treatment, I realized that care plans are most effective when they align with the individual patient’s goals and circumstances.
What aspect of care during this rotation do you want to share with others as you move on to future rotations?
One of the most valuable lessons from this rotation that I would like to share with others was the importance of patient education. This experience showed me how essential it is to take the necessary time to fully educate patients about their care plan and medications. Especially with the added challenge of language barriers, during this rotation, I made a conscious effort to break down each aspect of a patient’s care into clear, simple terms. I also spent time explaining why each step was important and how it would impact their health. I found that this improved understanding and patient engagement during the visit.
How did working with uninsured and immigrant patients shape your understanding of healthcare access and equity?
Working with uninsured and immigrant patients truly revealed some of the major gaps that exist in our healthcare system. For example, there were times I wanted to refer a patient to physical therapy for chronic pain which is often the first-line management, but I had to explore alternative options due to limited resources. I also met a patient whose chronic condition had worsened because she had stopped taking her medications. When I asked why, she explained that she simply couldn’t afford them. Experiences like these were eye-opening and reminded me how many patients feel they have no choice but to go without care. It reinforced the importance of advocating for equitable access to healthcare and meeting patients with compassion when resources are limited.
“Experiences like these were eye-opening and reminded me how many patients feel they have no choice but to go without care.”
As a medical learner, and non Spanish speaker, what strategies did you use to build trust and communicate effectively with patients who may have never seen a student practitioner?
To build trust and connect with patients I made a point to begin each visit by clearly introducing myself and explaining my role in their care. I focused on being an active listener and showing empathy for each patient’s unique circumstances and health concerns. I was mindful of my body language and when working with a translator, I always spoke directly to the patient and maintained eye contact to keep the interaction more personal. Throughout each visit, I made sure to check in regularly, asking if they had any questions and confirming that they understood what we discussed. I hoped to make each patient feel involved in their care.
What did you learn about the role of community-based clinics in filling healthcare gaps for marginalized populations?
I learned just how important community-based clinics are in caring for marginalized communities who might otherwise go without healthcare. These clinics do an incredible job of providing culturally sensitive care while taking into account each patient’s background and circumstances. I realized that places like Culmore Clinic are often the only source of care for people who are uninsured, face language barriers, or have had prior negative experiences with our country’s healthcare system. What stood out to me most was the staff’s dedication to educate patients and connect them with community resources that make a huge difference. I was especially impressed by how well the clinic built trust and made patients feel comfortable and heard.
“I realized that places like Culmore Clinic are often the only source of care for people who are uninsured, face language barriers, or have had prior negative experiences with our country’s healthcare system. ”